About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is struggling with a significant loss and finds themselves projecting their grief onto the world as fear or anger. This historical mystery, set in the rugged Australian bush, follows twelve-year-old Richard as he grapples with his mother's tragic death and the arrival of a mysterious new governess. It is a sophisticated choice for children who are ready to explore how grief can color our perception of others and how rumors often mask deeper, more human truths. Through Richard's journey, the story examines the weight of local prejudice and the courage required to look past scary legends to find healing. While there are spooky elements, the heart of the book is about resilience and the painful but necessary process of growing up. It is best suited for readers aged 10 to 14 who enjoy atmospheric stories with emotional depth.
